Cars fit for a Queen: How Her Majesty has stayed on the road

Throughout her remarkable life, Queen Elizabeth II, who celebrates her 90th birthday today, has become well-known for eschewing the chauffeur from time-to-time. Indeed, it's often been said that she loves to drive, and does so as often as she can.

As you'd expect, her automotive tastes through the years have been strongly British, with a host of Daimlers - such as this one - as well as Jaguars and Land Rovers, taking pride of place. But there have been some less expected choices among the cars that the Queen has driven - and been driven in.

Credit:Ian Jones

For example, this Cresta revealed a taste for large Vauxhalls that Her Majesty has since revisited. In the '70s, she was photographed driving a later version of the Cresta, while in more recent years, she's been spotted behind the wheel of a Vauxhall Omega and even an Insignia.

Credit:PA

Latterly, though, it seems Her Majesty has taken to using a Jaguar X-Type Estate for trundling around her... ahem... estate.

Credit:Kelvin Bruce

The Queen learned to drive during the war as a Princess, when she took lessons in Windsor Great Park with the Auxiliary Training Service. After the conclusion of hostilities, and even following her coronation, Her Majesty continued to drive her young family around, even though she didn't officially have a licence. To date, she has never been required to have one.

Of course, for state occasions, Her Majesty continued to be driven around in the state limousines; first, a series of Rolls-Royces, including this modified Phantom VI...

Credit:Eddie Boldizsar/Rex Features

...and more recently, this entirely custom-built Bentley, of which only two were produced.

Credit:Andy Rain/EPA

And on various foreign tours, Her Majesty has been driven around in a host of different vehicles - including this customised Humber Super Snipe convertible, which accompanied the Queen around the world on her first tour of the Commonwealth as monarch with Prince Philip.

Credit:Heathcliff O'Malley

However, the Queen looks happiest of all when driving around in one of her off-roaders. Land Rover Defenders seem to be particularly favoured...

Credit:Ian Jones

...although Her Majesty is also partial to a Range Rover, too - this one complete with Corgi bonnet mascot.